Senior VC Director @ Applied Ventures in Santa Clara, CA

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to work beyond the cutting-edge, continuously pushing the boundaries of science and engineering to make possible the next generations of technology, join us to Make Possible® a Better Future.

Salary

What We Offer

$208,000.00 – $286,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

At Applied, we prioritize the well-being of you and your family and encourage you to bring your best self to work. Your happiness, health, and resiliency are at the core of our benefits and wellness programs. Our robust total rewards package makes it easier to take care of your whole self and your whole family. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

You’ll also benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more about careers at Applied.

The Senior Investment Director at Applied Ventures manages all aspects of corporate venture investments. Responsibilities include strategy, sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, execution, portfolio management, reporting, exits, and building strong partnerships with Applied Materials. The role also involves holding board positions in portfolio companies and contributing to their governance, strategy, and performance while managing co-investor relationships. The role is based at Applied Ventures HQ in Santa Clara.

About Applied Ventures

Applied Ventures (AV) is the corporate venture capital arm of Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT) and is one of the leading global Deeptech and Semiconductor focused venture capital firms. AV invests in both early and growth stage companies globally in the broader Materials to Systems™ stack.

Job Responsibilities

Lead Origination

• Leverage robust networks within the start-up ecosystem, venture capital, and corporate venture capital communities, as well as innovation hubs to identify top investable startups.
• Identify and source investment opportunities from diverse channels.
• Assess and prioritize investment deals based on their quality, strategic alignment, and economic potential.
• Represent Applied Ventures at industry conferences, events, and speaking engagements.

Investment

• Evaluate leads, negotiate, structure transactions, conduct due diligence, and execute corporate venture capital investments.
• Recommend and present investment decisions to the investment committee.
• Build relationships with startups, co-investors, and board members.
• Negotiate term-sheets and investments.
• Collaborate with legal counsel during due diligence and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with investment guidelines.
• Build a portfolio that meets financial and strategic goals.
• Contribute to AV investment strategy.

Portfolio Management

• Lead and represent AV on multiple portfolio companies.
• Maintain positive relationships with co-investors, board members, and investee management.
• Provide strategic and operational guidance, networking, fundraising, and business development support.
• Recommend follow-on decisions and negotiate terms for follow-on investments and exit transactions in alignment with AV’s financial and strategic objectives.
• Negotiate term sheets and prepare investment decks for follow-on investments and exits.
• Ensure effective and timely execution of follow-on investments and exit transactions.
• Champion portfolio companies internally within Applied Materials.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Graduate degrees in engineering/science and management/finance from top-tier schools.
• Strong network within startups, VC, CVC, and incubators.
• Technical and Commercial Acumen: Understand the commercial potential of innovative technologies, identify opportunities and risks, assess investments, and manage negotiations. Apply concepts in strategy, commercialization, IP, financial and investment analysis, negotiation, due diligence, startup management, and governance.
• Communication: Strong oral and written skills, support, and challenge ideas, and recommend solutions.
• Teamwork: Promote team goals, inspire confidence, prioritize performance, motivate members, and remove obstacles. No sharp elbows.
• Ethics: Understand investment and corporate governance ethics.
• Accountability: Take responsibility, make data-driven decisions, follow through on goals, and manage risk.

Experience

• 15+ years in venture capital, corporate development, consulting, private equity, technology, or startup leadership.
• 10+ years in venture capital or corporate venture capital in broader Deeptech/Semiconductor with a verifiable strong VC investment record.
• Experience at top-tier firms in venture capital, corporate venture capital, technology, consulting, investment banking, or private equity is a plus.
• Proven hands-on investment experience across the full venture life cycle, including exits and board roles.
• Strong understanding of Deeptech and Semiconductor trends.
• International investing experience in Europe, Israel, and Asia is a plus.
• Strong curiosity, ability to hustle, and ability to put startup interests first.
• The role is based in Santa Clara, CA, and is NOT a remote position.

Education

• Bachelor/Master/Doctorate Degree: STEM (preferred)
• Master’s Degree: Masters in Business Administration (plus, but not required)

Languages: English

Years of Experience: 15+ Years

Work Experience: 10+ Venture Capital investing experience

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type

Assignee / Regular

Travel

Yes, 25% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.